About Applied Social Policy - Bsc (hons) Degree in Cardiff Metropolitan University

Course Overview

This BSc (Hons) degree in Applied Social Policy enables you to critically engage with the world and make a difference. The degree will equip you with the skills to question, understand, and address key issues in society such as food poverty, homelessness, injustice, and access to healthcare. You will focus on both theoretical frameworks and the values that underpin our contemporary society, as well as mechanisms to shape and change it. 

This degree is 'applied' meaning that it combines academic investigation with practical application of social policy issues. This means you will explore ideas such as equality, social justice and fairness - the core values underpinning social policy. You will also learn about how we can scrutinise change, and campaign for change. 

You will train in media skills, as well as undertaking a placement within a social policy environment. With these skills, you will develop a critical approach to social policy and the world around you, as well as an understanding of how campaign can create change.

This programme is subject to validation for September 2020 entry. This is due to take place in December 2019 and as such, the information provided may be subject to change. All new programmes at the University must undergo validation, the purpose of which is to ensure that the proposed programme is aligned to the University's Mission and its content reflects appropriate levels of academic standards and quality.

Learning & Teaching

Course delivery 
The Applied Social Policy team place great emphasis on the quality of teaching and the importance of a student-centred learning experience. This team are also involved in undertaking research which influences policy and legislation, and this is used to enhance teaching. Over the period of their course students are encouraged to develop the confidence and skills to be increasingly independent learners and discover their passion for particular policy areas or activities. 

The course is delivered by a course team, which consists of academics who all come from policy and practice backgrounds who ensure that the teaching is relevant to current and future sector needs. Those working in politics and policy contribute as guest lecturers to many of the modules and ensure that the teaching reflects contemporary political issues.

All full time undergraduate Applied Social Policy students have an opportunity to undertake a placement module enabling them to gain policy, political, or campaign experience. Opportunities are also given to students to attend study visits and access international mobilities, as well as professional conferences and seminars. 

The course has been created in partnership with a range of individuals and organisations working in social policy across the UK. This enables the course to keep up to date and reflect the needs of future employers. 

We use a range of teaching approaches, best suited to meeting your needs and those of employers. Delivery includes workshops, seminars, research seminars, lectures, virtual learning environments, away days, field trips and visits. 

Employability & Careers

Graduates have the opportunity to work across a range of sectors and organisations to apply their knowledge and skills and make a difference to the lives of people, places and communities.

We pride ourselves on our record with employment and further opportunities for our students. A placement is a compulsory part of this degree, meaning that when you graduate you will already have had experience of working in a social policy environment. The length of this and the skills needed to complete these have been developed in partnership with employers in the sector. Our Campaigning and Community Engagement module will help you prepare for your placement and this will involve holding a community event which will act as the assessment for this module.

Academic qualification equivalents

• Secondary School Diploma or equivalent, include one English, Grade 12 (ENG4C or ENG4U), minimum 60%

English language requirements (one of the below):

• IELTS      :      6.0 overall* with no sub score lower than 5.5
• PTE         :      Overall - 52, Reading - 51, Speaking - 51,Listening - 51,Writing - 51

Cardiff Metropolitan University Highlights

Cardiff Metropolitan University Average Tuition Fees And Other Expenses

Personal requirements including books charge a different fee according to the course.